What You Can Do To Support Local Businesses

If there’s one thing that the global coronavirus pandemic has taught us, it’s the importance of community. The world has gone into shock at the reality of limited movement, as well as the very real plight of small businesses that are struggling to survive right now.

With the boom of online shopping, it’s been easy to opt for convenience and the prospect of a bargain instead of shopping locally. But once things start getting back to normal, it will be more important than ever to help small businesses get back on their feet. So what can you do to help?

Here are some of the things you can do to support local businesses.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Shop locally

It’s easy to head to the supermarket to grab everything you need, or order items online when you could head down to the store. But by making the decision to shop locally, you could help support a number of local businesses, while also feeling a bigger part of your community. There are many benefits to shopping locally, including the fact you’ll be helping the environment. From visiting your local butcher to shopping at independent stores, you could make a big difference to your community’s economy.

Encourage your business to support local businesses

Supporting local businesses on a personal level is one thing, but could your business do more to help too? Working with local suppliers cuts your emissions and it promotes closer partnerships within your community – setting a great example to your clients and customers. Choose smaller businesses to help with your corporate catering and other needs. Businesses helping each other is a very positive thing, and could even save your business money too. 

Leave reviews and recommendations

Recommendations and word of mouth can provide a big boost to businesses. People go straight online to check out reviews and testimonials to suss a business out, and you can help by leaving recommendations for your local businesses. Whether it’s on their website or their social media accounts, a positive recommendation from you could go a long way. 

Visit your local town/city centre

Ordering online is easy and convenient, but there’s something nice and familiar about heading to your local town or city centre to do your shopping. Not only do you get to physically inspect what you’re buying, but you’re helping to keep businesses open too. It’s easy to stay at home surrounded by technology, but it’s much more rewarding (and beneficial for your health!) to get out and about. 

When the pandemic starts to ease, it will be really important for everyone to do their bit to help the economy get back on its feet. From helping local businesses to finding ways to show off your own business, there’s going to be a lot to do to get things normal again. For now, you can still support local businesses that are open, delivering and providing vital services. Communities are making the most of this time to band together, so make sure you keep it up in the future too.